Before starting any drain-cleaning procedure, it’s important to make sure that there are no visible obstructions or that a drain snake has already removed them. Next, boil a pot of water (a tea kettle works well). Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by one cup of white vinegar. The chemical reaction creates a foam that loosens and deodorizes foul-smelling gunk. How to clean a shower drainpipe effectively.
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Boiling Water/How to clean a shower drainpipe effectively
Boiling water is a simple yet effective method to break down accumulated soap scum or minor clogs. Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain slowly, leaving a few minutes between each pour. Repeat this step until the clog is cleared or your hot water returns to running freely through your shower or tub drain.
You can use this method in combination with other household cleaning products to create an even more powerful drain cleaner. For example, if you pour baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of white vinegar, you will experience a chemical reaction that can help clear stubborn clogs. This mixture can also kill mold spores and deodorize your drain.
Another great way to prevent a clogged drain is by putting a mesh hair catcher down the drain, which will catch all of the loose hair before it goes down the drain. This is an inexpensive addition to any shower and can easily be purchased at most home improvement stores.
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For a stubborn clog that won’t respond to the above methods, you may need to try something a little more aggressive. A wire hanger is a cheap and effective tool to try, especially if you have a long, flexible piece of metal such as a pipe snake. Straighten the coat hanger and fashion one side into a tiny hook, which you will use to fish around the clog. Once you feel resistance, wiggle the hook around and pull up as much debris as possible. Afterward, flush the drain with a pot or kettle of boiling water to clean any remaining residue and to prevent future clogs. If a clog remains, you may need to call a plumber or use a stronger drain cleanser. You can also prevent future clogs by regularly rinsing your drain with hot water after each shower. This will remove most of the hair and grime that builds up and helps keep your drains smelling fresh and clean.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
The same foamy chemical reaction that fueled your elementary school science fair volcano doubles as a homemade drain cleaner. Baking soda and vinegar combine to form a powerful natural drain cleaner that works just as well as commercial products. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, then add a cup of vinegar. The result will be a bubbling, fizzing solution that breaks up and dissolves grime and hair buildup in your shower drain. Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes before flushing with hot water.
If the baking soda and vinegar solution doesn’t fully clear the clog, you can try using a drain snake or another of the methods described above. When you use a drain snake, insert it far enough into the pipes that it can reach the clog and break it up. If you have a tight clog, you may need to repeat the treatment several times before the clog is completely removed.
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To prevent a buildup of odor-causing residue in your shower drain, use a regular maintenance treatment. Pour a cup of boiling water down the drain every month or two, along with a cup of baking soda and vinegar. This will help keep your drain and pipes smelling fresh.
If you cannot clear a clogged drain with these methods, it may be time to call in a plumber. However, a little prevention is all it takes to keep your shower’s drain and plumbing working smoothly. Regularly cleaning your drain and shower P-trap can avoid clogs and keep your home’s plumbing running efficiently.